Russia’s Vladimir Putin is backing Donald Trump. So too are a procession of autocrats and despots across the globe. The US president may have few friends among America’s usual allies, but he sweeps the board in the contest with Democratic contender Joe Biden for the authoritarian vote. It says something deeply depressing about the damage Mr Trump has inflicted on liberal democracy that the world’s self-styled strongmen are almost at one in backing the re-election of the supposed leader of the free world. How do you make the case for an international order built on the rule of law when the US president once told Chinese premier Xi Jinping he was relaxed about locking up Uighurs.
OP-ED
Philip Stephens: Why autocrats are lining up for Donald Trump
US President Donald Trump (R) walks with Russia's President Vladimir Putin before taking a family photo at the G20 Summit in Osaka on June 28, 2019.
